Solar Panel Experiment:  Possible Power

Note: 

All your answers should be put on a single sheet of paper and handed in when you’ve completed the experiment.  Put your team name, period, and team member names at the top.

What you will need:

·         Paper and pencil

·         Angle contraption with solar panel

·         Multi-meter with leads

·         Compass

·         A sunny or partly sunny day

Time this activity should take:

·         15-20 minutes

 

Set up

  1. Setup the angle contraption on a flat surface where the sun can reach it.
  2. Hookup the alligator clips to the solar panel leads
  3. Turn the multimeter to the voltage setting
  4. Using the aiming device, aim the contraption at the sun. 

      

Answer the following:

  1. What kind of day is it? – Sunny or partially sunny?
  2. What angle is the solar panel at when aimed correctly?
  3. What is the compass reading?  (in degrees)
  4. What is the time?

E.     What is the voltage?

Use the cardboard and cover up the lower portion of the panel.

A.    What is the voltage of the partially covered panel?

Take the following amperage readings:

  1. At 25 degrees:
  2. At 0 degrees:

Now, turn the base around so that the panel is facing away from the sun.

What is the voltage?

At what angle did you get the highest voltage reading?  How did this compare to your angle of incidence from the other experiment? What conclusion can you make about which direction to point your panel to get the highest amperage output? (Hint: Think about what angle the sun's rays need to hit the panel to get the highest output)

Data Input

Use the online data input page to input the angle of incidence of the sun for this day and this time.